While the move was expected, it marked the culmination of a humbling chain events for a point guard who won the NBA MVP award in 2011. Rose has played just 16 games (seven starts) this season, averaging 9.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.3 minutes per contest.

Over his nine-year NBA career, Rose has averaged 19.2 points, 5.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 34.2 minutes through 486 games (476 starts) with the Bulls, Knicks and Cavaliers.

Injuries have ravaged Rose's once promising career. Knee and ankle injuries have especially been troublesome, causing Rose to lose speed and agility.

Rose's NBA future looks a bit bleak. The Cavaliers didn't want him as a backup point guard, and the Jazz opted to release him instead of giving him a shot. Few teams are likely to risk adding Rose and his injury history to their rosters.

At this point, Rose's best option could be sticking with a fringe contender in need of backcourt depth. The top-level teams won't want him, and the bottom feeders - the teams with the worst records - have no incentive to add a veteran.

For now, Rose's best chance at reviving his NBA career is to settle for a backup role with a team like the Pacers, Timberwolves, Thunder or Wizards, all of which are in playoff contention and could use another backcourt option.

One team expected to survey the possibility of signing Derrick Rose, league sources tell ESPN: The Washington Wizards. John Wall still has several more weeks of rehab following knee surgery.